We’re preparing our palates for the inaugural Pacific Wine and Food Classic that takes place at Newport Dunes Aug.19-20.

This food, wine and cocktail festival features more than 100 food and libation stations, all inspired by summer.

In addition to all the food and wine (and trust us, there will be a LOT of food and wine), the Fisher & Paykel / DCS Cooking Stage – hosted by Food Network star Simon Majumdar – will feature live culinary demonstrations from local celebrity chefs. Some (Jamie Gwen, Cathy Pavlos, Pascal Olhats, Stan Frazier) we know very well, other are new to us, but we have no doubt we’re going to learn a lot of culinary tips while sampling some delicious treats.

Here’s the two-day lineup of culinary entertainment:

Saturday

Chef Geeta Bansal, Clay Oven: How to prepare Watermelon Curry

Tricia Carr, Master Mixologis: How to make two of her favorite summer cocktails.

Several beer purveyors (including our local favorite Towne Park Brew Co. from Brett Lawrence) and cocktail stations will also be at the event.

TICKETS

Tickets are $150 for single day and $250 for two-day general admission, and includes unlimited tastes of food and beverages. VIP tickets are $200 for single day and $350 for two-day admission, and includes early admission, access to the Grassy VIP lounge overlooking the bay that will serve special bites and Patrón handcrafted cocktails, Patrón infused popsicles and Chunk’n Chip Patrón infused Ice Cream Sammiches. VIP tickets are very limited.

There is also a pre-event dinner on Friday evening, Aug. 18,at Fig & Olive, and a post-event dinner on Sunday evening, Aug. 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Fashion Island. For details on those and other Pacific Wine and Food Classic event, and to purchase tickets, visit pacificwineandfood.com.

Net proceeds from this event will be given to Golden Rule charity as the beneficiary of the Pacific Wine and Food Classic, in order to give back to the restaurant industry. Golden Rule is a local charity founded in order to give back and support those in need who work in the restaurant industry. Golden Rule Charity administers grants and acts as a liaison between the community and those faced with an unanticipated crisis.